AI and racial bias at US bordersCEFR B1
25 Apr 2026
Adapted from UntoldMag, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Mathias Reding, Unsplash
Rights groups including the Black Alliance for Just Immigration and clinics at UC Irvine filed a 2023 report to the UN Special Rapporteur on racism. The report argues that US border policies using AI violate the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which the United States ratified in 1994.
Surveillance technologies such as autonomous towers, Anduril Towers and small unmanned aircraft systems are used to track people before they reach a land border. Authorities say these tools can deter irregular crossings and help migrants, but the report links greater “smart border” technology to historically high migrant deaths and to treating displaced people as security risks.
The CBP One app once required selfies but failed to recognise darker skin tones far more often than white faces and lacked key translations. Other systems, such as the Automated Targeting System, have flagged nationals from certain countries as high risk. The report calls for opt-outs, transparency, independent oversight and limits on racially discriminatory AI uses.
Difficult words
- report — written text that gives information and recommendations
- ratify — officially approve and accept a treatyratified
- surveillance — watching people or places to collect information
- autonomous — working without a person controlling it
- deter — make someone less likely to do something
- irregular — not following official rules or normal paths
- displaced — forced to leave their home
- transparency — clear information open to the public
- oversight — official review to check rules are followed
- recognise — identify a person or thing correctly
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think surveillance towers and drones help or harm migrants? Why?
- How could the CBP One app be changed to avoid unfair results for different users?
- What limits would you suggest on using AI and automated systems at borders, and why?
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